Mexico Facts.

A much known place of beautiful architectural structures. These magnificent man-man creations were present long time ago and are still presently standing that gives tourists a reason to visit Mexico. The famous Aztec tribes are the ones responsible for in making of these spots, like the canals, pyramids, and more. Huge, majestic cathedrals will take your breath away by its fine details that never get old in time. There are also a lot of beaches that can be enjoyed. Tourists are encouraged to try some water sports like snorkeling, diving, swimming, sailing, and many more. The food is superb in Mexico, from tacos to tortillas or other Mexican spicy food.

Important and Interesting Facts About Mexico

Mexico is the 14th largest country by land area.

Mexico is home to over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a popular tourist destination.

The National University of Mexico is the oldest university in South America – The university, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), was founded in 1551 by Charles V, a holy Roman Emperor. The university stands out as as the educational institute that produces the highest number of professionals in Mexico.

Mexico is located in the “Ring of Fire” – This area is one of the world’s most violent earthquake and volcano zones. The Ring of Fire contains more than 450 volcanoes and has approximately 75% of the world’s active volcanoes. Popocatépetl is considered to be the most dangerous volcano in Mexico, located only 70 km southeast of Mexico City, from where it can be seen with the right weather conditions.

Mexico City is slowly sinking – Due to the fact that the Mexican capital was built on a lake, it is sinking 15-20cm a year. During the 20th century, Mexico City sunk between 9 – 11m.

Plaza Mexico, which is situated in Mexico City, is the largest bullring in the world with over 41,000 seats. Bullfighting takes place every year, from November to April.

The border between Mexico and the United States is the second largest border in the world (only the U.S.-Canadian border is longer).

The Chichen Itza Pyramid in Mexico was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Mexico is the largest salt producers in the world.

Mexico has the world’s smallest volcano. It is 43 feet tall and has a staircase inside.

The country has the oldest living tree in the world. It is 40 feet tall.

Cool, Fun, and Funny Facts About Mexico

Mexico is home to the volcano rabbit – This is a very rare rabbit which lives near Mexican volcanoes. It is the world’s second smallest rabbit (the smallest is the Pygmy rabbit). It has short, thick fur, short legs and small rounded ears.

The chihuahua, the smallest breed of dog in the world, is named after a Mexican state.

The largest wildcat in North America is the jaguar, which can be found in Mexico’s southern jungles.

A Mexican tamale called thezacahuil is three feet long and weighs about 150 pounds.

Millions of monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico every year from the U.S. and Canada.

The red poinsettia (which the Aztecs called cuetlaxochitl) originated in Mexico and is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico

Mexico City has the highest elevation and is oldest city in North America. It is also one of the largest cities in the world.

One unusual Mayan weapon was a “hornet bomb,” which was an actual hornet’s nest thrown at enemies during battle.

Actor Anthony Quinn was the first Mexican to win an Academy Award for his role in the 1952 movies Viva Zapata.

Street food is the best. The best tacos are those that one can buy from street stalls, not a posh restaurant.

Historical and Cultural Facts About Mexico

Stone tools have been found in Mexico that suggest the existence of humans there around 23000 years ago.

Mexican food is known for its range of flavors and spices. Popular dishes include tacos, burritos and enchiladas.

Mexico hosted the Football World Cup in both 1970 and 1986.

Mexico City hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1968.

During the 14 – 16th centuries, when the Aztec people dominated large parts of the country, the capital city was called Mexico-Tenochtitlan. After the Spanish conquered the city in the 16th century, they ruined it and build Mexico City on top of the Aztec capital. Mexico city was built to resemble a Spanish city.

Chocolate was discovered in Mexico and was made by the Meso-American people into a sweet beverage using natural sweeteners. The word ‘chocolate’ derives from the language of the Aztecs, Náhuatl (xocolatl : xoco,bitter + atl, water). Ixcacao is the Mayan Goddess of chocolate. Corn (Zea maiz) was first cultivated in central Mexico. Most chillies come from Mexico, the word derived from the Náhuatl word chilli.

Mexican children do not receive presents on Christmas Day. They receive gifts on January 6, the day on which Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

Spanish conquerors introduced bullfighting to Mexico – Nowadays, bullfighting in Mexico is a popular national sport.

The first printing press in North America was used in Mexico City in 1539.

Modern Mexicans are a unique blend of many ancient civilizations, including the Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, Maya, Aztec, Inca, African, French, and Spanish.

The Zapotec civilization (600 B.C.-A.D. 800) established great cities along southern Mexico and developed the first writing system in the Americas.